Issue Archive

Electronic Noses Detect Chemical Warfare Gases

Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia have developed a prototype electronic "nose" for the detection of chemical warfare gases, mainly nerve gas, such as Sarin, Soman, and Tabun.

The nose is composed of 15 commercial sensors, a data acquisition system, and a computer connected to this system. Through the sensors, the nose "smells" the gases in the atmosphere and further processes the data, through pattern recognition, to warn of the presence of gas.

The system could be portable for areas where a possible chemical attack is suspected, or fixed for continuous monitoring of an environment such as an airport or train station.

Question of the Week

This week's Question: This month, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed long-awaited rules on the commercial use of small drones, requiring operators to be certified, fly only during daylight, and keep their aircraft in sight. The ruling,...